DUBAI, UAE - Iraqi leaders and factions have ramped up warnings of potential Israeli airstrikes following a complaint filed by Israel at the United Nations Security Council accusing Iran-backed groups in Iraq of launching attacks on its territory, with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani dismissing the complaint as a “pretext and justification for aggression,” signaling heightened concerns of regional escalation.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed last week that he sent a letter to the Security Council urging immediate action against “Iranian-backed militias in Iraq” allegedly using Iraqi soil for drone and rocket strikes on Israel.

In response, Sudani characterized the letter as a “clear provocation” and warned of potential threats to Iraq’s sovereignty.

Israeli Warning Delivered

Before the UN filing, Israel reportedly conveyed a warning to Iraq through Azerbaijani Ambassador Nasir Mammadov. Three Iraqi government and Coordination Framework sources told The New Region the message contained threats that Israel would “strike deep within Iraq” should attacks by Iraqi factions continue.

The message cited ongoing strikes against Israel and stated that targeting faction leaders and headquarters in Iraq would follow insufficient deterrence measures in Syria.

Coordination Framework Responds

The warning prompted an emergency meeting of Iraq’s Coordination Framework on November 18 at the office of Islamic Supreme Council head Ammar al-Hakim. Publicly billed as a discussion on the national census, a source within the group confirmed the meeting focused on the Israeli threat.

Leaders, including former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, expressed concern that continued attacks against Israel could endanger Iraq’s stability and severe relations with Western nations. The ruling Shiite body authorized Sudani to inform the public opinion of a possible Israeli strike.

The following day, the National Security Council declared that Iraq was taking measures to prevent the use of its territory for attacks on Israel, including confiscating weapons and pursuing legal action against violators. It also urged the UN and international coalition members to “curb these threats” and prevent escalation.

Militia Defiance

Despite Sudani’s orders, Iran-backed militias have pressed on with attacks on Israel. According to statements, at least three drone strikes have been claimed by the so-called “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” since mid-November.

Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada leader Abbas al-Zaidi has said that the “Resistance operates across multiple theaters” and hinted at expanded capabilities, including drones capable of reaching Israel.

One government adviser admitted the continued strikes posed a challenge to Sudani’s directives, raising fears of inevitable retaliation.

Regional Warnings

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has acknowledged Iraq would face “clear threats” from Israel. Meanwhile, a leader of the Hikma Movement, Fahd al-Jubouri, revealed that a major regional state had privately warned Iraq of possible Israeli airstrikes.

Israeli media, including Maariv, have reported on potential military plans targeting infrastructure and militia leaders in Iraq. The reports suggest Israel is preparing for escalating proxy attacks by Iran and its allies in response to ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza and Lebanon.

As tensions escalate, Iraqi leaders worry that Israeli strikes could severely damage Iraq’s economy and infrastructure, with broader implications for the already volatile region.